Sowing & Growing

Salvia plants thrive best when cultivated in full sun, requiring a location that receives a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight daily. For perennial varieties, select a permanent spot that allows undisturbed growth without frequent digging or disturbance.

To ensure optimal growth, Salvia plants necessitate well-drained soil enriched with ample organic matter. Prepare the soil by thorough weeding, loosening it through digging, and incorporating aged animal manure or compost. Maintain a weed-free area until planting, and consider additional details on soil preparation for planting.

Container cultivation is also an option for Salvia plants. Choose a variety recommended for container growing, use high-quality potting mix, and ensure the container is sufficiently large for mature plants (a minimum of 10 litres is recommended). Container-grown plants may require extra fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth.

When sowing Salvia seeds, no special treatment, such as soaking or stratification, is necessary. Seeds can be directly sown in the garden 4mm deep and 40cm apart. Keep the soil consistently moist but not overly wet or dry, and expect germination in approximately 10-14 days at a soil temperature of 22-24°C. Provide protection to young seedlings from pests, pets, and adverse weather until they are well-established.

Alternatively, raise seedlings in trays, punnets, or jiffy pots filled with quality seed-raising mix. Sow seeds 4mm deep, keeping the soil consistently moist. Germination occurs in 10-14 days at a soil temperature of 22-24°C. Transplant seedlings to the garden once they have their first true leaves and are large enough to handle (typically 5-10cm tall), spacing them 40cm apart.

For those in cooler climates, Salvia seeds can be sown indoors six weeks before the last expected frost. Grow them in a warm location with ample natural light for successful cultivation.